Judge: College was right to reject ex-ND official

June 17, 2013

BISMARCK (AP) - A federal judge says the Georgetown University law school did not discriminate against a former North Dakota attorney general based on his age when he was passed over for a faculty position.

The Forum reports that Nick Spaeth originally filed the lawsuit in July 2011 against the Michigan State University law school when he didn't get an interview. He later expanded the suit to include five more law schools, but dropped all those complaints except the one against Georgetown.

In ruling against Spaeth, U.S. District Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle said Georgetown's three hires were all 35 years old at the time and had impressive credentials. The judge said Spaeth was less qualified for the job.

The 63-year-old Spaeth, North Dakota's attorney general from 1985-93, says he will appeal.